Directing intracellular supramolecular assembly with N-heteroaromatic quaterthiophene analogues

Nat Commun. 2017 Nov 29;8(1):1850. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-02020-2.

Abstract

Self-assembly in situ, where synthetic molecules are programmed to organize in a specific and complex environment i.e., within living cells, can be a unique strategy to influence cellular functions. Here we present a small series of rationally designed oligothiophene analogues that specifically target, locate and dynamically self-report their supramolecular behavior within the confinement of a cell. Through the recognition of the terminal alkyl substituent and the amphiphilic pyridine motif, we show that the cell provides different complementary pathways for self-assembly that can be traced easily with fluorescence microscopy as their molecular organization emits in distinct fluorescent bands. Importantly, the control and induction of both forms are achieved by time, temperature and the use of the intracellular transport inhibitor, bafilomycin A1. We showcase the importance of both intrinsic (cell) and extrinsic (stimulus) factors for self-organization and the potential of such a platform toward developing synthetic functional components within living cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Biological Transport / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Macrolides / pharmacology
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Molecular Biology / methods
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Serum Albumin, Human / chemistry
  • Solutions / chemistry
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Temperature
  • Thiophenes / chemistry*
  • Thiophenes / metabolism*
  • Thiophenes / pharmacology
  • Thiophenes / toxicity

Substances

  • Macrolides
  • Solutions
  • Thiophenes
  • bafilomycin A1
  • Serum Albumin, Human